Want to start your business in a hip, new office space? Although
it may sound more appealing than meeting customers and investors in
your home's dining room, renting office space is one of the
more tricky steps a young company can take. Sign the wrong lease-on
space that proves too small, is too expensive or is in the wrong
part of town-and you may doom your business to an early demise.

Knowledge is key, so we provide you with resources here to help
you lease the perfect office-or help you realize that this is a
move worth putting off.

Pamela Rohland writes about the joys and tribulations of
entrepreneurship for a variety of regional and national business
publications. Robert McGarvey and Babs S. Harrison contributed to
this article.

Office Space 101

To develop some knowledge before touring your first empty box,
read up on the basics.